Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., takes a photo with youth from St. Mary Parish, Middletown, after being invited to spend time and discuss vocations with the teens by Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor, right, and Father Richard Osborn, parochial vicar. Carly York photo

Bishop David M. O’Connell visited youth of St. Mary Parish May 11, encouraging open dialogue, enjoying camaraderie over dinner and sharing his thoughts on vocations.

More than 50 teenagers joined parishioners of all ages as the evening began with the Bishop celebrating the vigil Mass for Good Shepherd Sunday at the invitation of Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor, and Father Richard Osborn, parochial vicar and Life Teen chaplain.

Recruiting vocations to the priesthood is not a singular effort. It is a diocesan-wide responsibility and is relationship-based. It is with a team approach mindset that Father Jason Parzynski looks forward to his role as the Diocese’s newly named vocations director.More ...Friday, May 17, 2019

VATICAN CITY – The choice to follow God in life is not just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but a decision that is made every day, Pope Francis said.

Christians truly encounter Jesus through concrete events in life that occur "every day; not every now and then," the Pope said in his homily for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life.

The Word of God reminds each of us in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah: “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. Do not be afraid for I am with you (Isaiah 41: 9-10).”

This is “National Vocation Awareness Week,” a time that the Catholic Church in our country sets aside to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life as a religious sister or brother through prayer and education. We are asked to encourage young people in particular to consider dedicating their lives to follow the Lord Jesus in a special way. But, in order to “consider,” to “dedicate,” to “follow” the Lord, you must first listen for his call.

The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, a time dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, Nov. 4-10.More ...Friday, November 2, 2018

Father Joseph A. Tedesco, who formerly served as a priest for the Diocese of Trenton for 28 years, has been named superior of Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery located on the Cooper River outside of Moncks Corner, S.C., effective Nov. 3.More ...Friday, November 2, 2018

A parish gymnasium in Holmdel recently took on the look of a New York City television studio talk show as eighth-graders were transported to the set of St. Benedict’s own “Catholic Not-So-Late Show.”More ...Friday, November 2, 2018

Surrounded by brother deacons whose ranks they seek to join, five men from the four counties of the Diocese took a meaningful step on their journey Oct. 27 when they were formally accepted by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as candidates for the diocesan diaconate program.More ...Saturday, October 27, 2018

As part of their seminary formation and preparation for the priesthood, the Diocese’s seminarians gathered for an annual retreat, held the week of July 23 in Loyola Retreat House, Morristown.More ...Thursday, July 26, 2018

Great food and beautiful weather set the backdrop for a special summer gathering of the Diocese of Trenton’s 17 seminarians the evening of July 19.

Hosted by the Diocese on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, the picnic afforded the men, who are pursuing studies in three different seminaries, an opportunity to socialize and share their seminary experiences as they journey toward their goal of one day serving as priests for the Diocese.More ...Friday, July 20, 2018